11/12PNWT ANNUAL REPORT

2011/12 Report to the Community

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What’s InsideHeart of the Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Striving for a Cure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Summary of Grants Funded . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Spreading the Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Exciting Find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Search for a Cure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Team Shan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 A Culture for the Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14In the Pink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Drink Pink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Breast Cancer: Steps you can take to reduce your risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Dance Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Beacon of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Painting Saskatchewan Pink . . . . . . . . . . . .22And the Ride Goes On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Zumba for Dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Braving More than the Shave . . . . . . . . . . .25

She's Running With It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Safeway's Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Telus Talks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Going the Extra Mile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Play Ball! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32On Board with the Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Giving Back has it's Rewards . . . . . . . . . . . .35A Truly National Organization . . . . . . . . . .36Regional Financial Summary . . . . . . . . . . . .38

a. March 30, 2012 – University of Alberta YAC President, Sydney Pearson, chats with Global News about the inaugural YAC Breast Health Symposium . b. November 9, 2011 – Students and staff at the Institute Collegial St . Pierre's in St-Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba take part in the Best for the Breast Hockey Bowl . The game is open to all students and staff, with the top 14 fundraising participants earning spots on the two teams . c. October 2, 2011 – Over 720 participants ran through the river trails in Medicine Hat during the 2011 Bustin’ Loose – The Race to End Breast Cancer, and raised $110,000 . d. October 2011 – The Curves Club in Martensville hosted a Curves® Circuit with Zumba® Workout-a-thon and raised $1,582 thanks to the workout-a-thon, and other fundraising initiatives . E. October 24, 2011 – Canadian Pop sensation Justin Beiber poses with a Winnipeg Safeway store manager as he makes a pit stop during his 2011 tour . f. September 13, 2011 – The 8th Annual Survivors’ Parade in Calgary, AB was held at Bankers Hall, where hundreds of survivors proudly marched throughout the complex . g. October 2011 – For the third year in a row, the Arlington, Duchess, Erindale and Fairlight Saskatoon Curves Clubs raised funds and awareness via the Curves for a Cure program . They raised $2,185 with initiatives such as a waived registration fee program (for a donation to Foundation), bingos, a silent auction, a potluck dinner and a bra-decorating contest . h. April 2012 – Six months of hard work paid off for Hawk Hydraulics, employees put together a calendar, the sale of which earned over $4,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region . i. October 2011 – Melanie Davidson, Sales

and Marketing Coordinator from Western Financial Group presents a $500 donation earned through their AgriCard initiative . For the month of October, AgriCard donated $ .10 from every transaction made at participating Canada West Equipment Dealer Association (CWEDA) locations . J. October 27, 2010 – Residents in Rimbey, AB take part in the Fall Fun Gala featuring a fashion show, dinner and breast cancer fundraiser at the local community centre . Organizer Mandy Swanson of Country Casuals, along with many volunteers and local supporters, fundraised just over $6,000 at the event . K. October 5 & 6, 2011 - Safeway kicked off their October Awareness Campaign with cooking demonstrations featuring Food Network chef host, Ricardo Larrivee, in Calgary and Winnipeg . l. 2011 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure participants m. October 1, 2011 – Truckers in Northern Alberta were invited to take part in Convoy For A Cure and drove from Sherwood Park to Leduc, Alberta . Each driver ‘pinked up’ their truck and accepted pledges, together raising an impressive $12,000 . n. February 14, 2012 – Once again, Westminster Junior High School in Edmonton took home the Edmonton Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure School Spirit Award as top fundraiser . Raising a total of $40,486, the school celebrated their success on Valentine’s Day – now their annual Think Pink Day . o. November 2011 – Vic Huard, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Federated Co-operatives Limited, is awarded a thank you plaque for the Drink Pink Campaign . Ten cents from every Drink Pink coffee sold in Federated CO-OP Gas Bars during October was donated to the Canadian Breast

Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region . P. April 2011 – The annual Bikini Snow Babes Fightn' Breast Cancer event held in Lake Louise proved to be a huge success, raising $10,000 . With 40 participants, event organizer Karen Guidos led the women – each wearing a bikini top and snow pants – down the hill on ski, snowboard, or telemark in an "S" formation . Q. October 30, 2011 – Breast Cancer Awareness Month wrapped up with a bang thanks to 91 .7 The Bounce’s 5th Annual Bras Across the Bridge event in Edmonton . The station offered to donate $1 for every gently used bra given by their listeners . In the end, close to 10,000 bras were donated, making it the most successful showing to date . r. March 18, 2011 – The CIS Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) hosted a very successful Shoot for the Cure fundraising initiative in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and other related cancer charities . The 2011/2012 season initiative began on October 15th and ran through each of the 43 CIS Women’s Basketball institutions including the University of Calgary, pictured . s. October 2011 – Curves hosted their 7th Annual Curves for a Cure program across the Prairies/NWT Region . Over 75 clubs took part, hosting events, programs and more, to raise a total of $110,000 . t. September 24, 2011 – Boobies Rule hosted a Bud, Spud, & Steak in conjunction with a golf tournament in Selkirk, Manitoba . In total, 142 golfers took part in the daylong event and 181 attended the dinner and raised over $2,500!

thE rEgion caPtionEd

On behalf of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region and our volunteer board members, thank you for making 2011/2012 another successful year .

For those of you who have been part of the cause for years, your continued support is an important factor in communicating the importance of the Foundation’s work and gives us confidence in our

decisions as a board and as an organization . For those of you who supported us for the first time, your interest and commitment tell us that the message is spreading and you can see that the time, energy, and money donated is generating results . We really couldn’t do it without you!

This year marked positive changes to the Foundation, bringing the regions of the Foundation closer together so we can make a bigger impact, whether that be on survival rates, detection, treatments, or quality of life . It is an exciting time for the board of directors and staff, and we look forward to continue working to achieving our vision of a future without breast cancer .

Just as importantly, we look forward to seeing the contributions you make in the coming year . Our donors, partners, and volunteers bring so much energy to this cause, and that energy translates into the funding researchers and community partners need to continue their exciting work . It is thanks to your creativity and hard work that we are making strides . When we succeed, it will be your success . Thank you for continuing to join us in this extremely worthwhile endeavour .

Our Vision: Creating a future without breast cancer .

Our Mission: As the leading national volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for:

• Relevant and innovative research,

• Meaningful education and awareness programs,

• Early diagnosis and effective treatment; and

• A positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer .

Realizing Our Mission: We believe creating a future without breast cancer is achievable . In accomplishing our mission, we are committed to serve as:

• A trusted leader: Promoting the highest values, principles and practices to ensure accountability and effectiveness .

• A resourceful catalyst: Promoting innovation and supporting meaningful and relevant work in research and programs, from prevention to palliation .

• An effective advocate: Demonstrating our commitment to those living with and touched by breast cancer, voicing the need for a positive quality of life today, and in the future .

• A respectful partner: Collaborating with the community, donors and sponsors; working within a network of organizations involved in the breast cancer field; actively engaging volunteers, including survivors to ensure that we maximize our collaborative effort for the cause .

2011/12 Board of DirectorsCHAIR martin Kratz, QC Head, Intellectual Property Group Bennett Jones LLP Calgary, AB

VICE-CHAIR shirley forrest Partner, Forrest and Associates Edmonton, AB

VICE-CHAIR/SECRETARY susan milburn Vice President and Branch Manager, Raymond James Ltd . Saskatoon, SK

CHAIR, FINANCE

lorna Pollock, CA Chief Financial Officer, Targa Energy Services Inc . Calgary, AB

DIRECTORS

dr. chrisopher cheesemen, b.sc., Ph.d Professor, Dept . of Physiology, Vice Provost and AVP HRS, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB

gord gilroy Principal, Vision Creative Edmonton, AB

linda humphreys Calgary, AB

dale linn, Q .C ., Partner, McDougall Gauley LLP Saskatoon, SK

dave majeski Vice President, Real Estate and Construction Services, Royal Bank of Canada, Edmonton, AB

doug mcneil Executive Vice President, Business Development Steam-Flo Industries Ltd . Calgary, AB

allison Pedersen, RN, MN Winnipeg, MB

barbara shumeley, BN, MN, Winnipeg, MB

robin sparks Chairman, Sparks & Associates Inc . Calgary, AB

gretchen thompson Okotoks, AB

CEO trish bronsch

A Message from Martin Kratz, Board Chair

4 RepoRt to the CommunIty 2011/2012

heart of the matterOur supporters are inspired by what we can achieve together in the future and the difference we can all make today . A sea of pink shirts . An aunt whose positive attitude sparked a new passion . The desire to make a difference—today—while experiencing the support and positive energy generated by countless others across Canada . These are just a few of the reasons individuals and organizations devote their time, energy, and dollars to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region .

Each year, I am overwhelmed by the dedication and commitment you, as volunteers, survivors, clinicians, donors, fundraisers, researchers, and community and corporate partners, exhibit in your support for the cause . This year’s Report to the Community gets to the heart of why our supporters do so much, year after year, and continue to develop innovative fundraising and education campaigns that help us be successful .

I encourage you to read the stories of the volunteers, researchers, and corporate partners here not only to see what’s being done and the difference your dollars are making, but to gain a deeper understanding of why . The reasons are compelling and illustrate the phenomenal importance of the Foundation’s work .

Our goal is to achieve our shared vision of a future without breast cancer . While we still have a long way to go, we’re getting there . Keeping up the momentum is critical . Each new discovery means additional research is required, research that could someday lead to the achievement of our vision . By maximizing the money raised and allocating it with discretion, we help ensure that your dollars and support are used in the best way possible and will help make that vision a reality .

But, as many of the stories herein attest, the future is not all that matters . The achievements of past years make a difference today, and the ability to take part in the cause, whether through participating in events, serving on the board, organizing campaigns, or raising awareness, is vitally important to the many, many people who have been touched by this disease .

For the Region, 2011/2012 was filled with achievements. Researchers made discoveries that could lead to novel treatments and better quality of life for patients receiving treatment . Educators are reaching new audiences, helping young women protect themselves, and improving the lives of women after treatment . Our corporate partners, many of which have been supporting the cause for numerous years, continue to generate awareness and funds, keeping campaigns fresh, exciting, and meaningful for volunteers and donors alike .

Thank you for your support of the Prairies/NWT Region in 2011/2012 .

Trish Bronsch, CEO Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region

5RepoRt to the CommunIty 2011/2012

On November 24, 2011 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region proudly announced they allocated a record-setting $10 million to fund research and community projects across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories .

This grant announcement, the largest in the Region’s history, is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to creating a future without breast cancer . A dedicated volunteer and leader, Regional Board Chair, Martin Kratz, proudly made the announcement .

A combined total of 36 research and community projects across the Region benefited from 2011 Grant Allocation including Dr. Deborah Anderson, who spoke to the audience of media, Foundation staff and board members, corporate partners, volunteers, survivors and her colleagues .

Based out of the University of Saskatchewan, Dr . Anderson offered guided tours of her research lab following the press conference . One of seven Saskatchewan-based research grant recipients, Dr . Anderson’s research is focused on triple-negative breast cancers that are currently without treatment options .

Research projects like Dr . Anderson’s, combined with the 12 community projects focused on the areas of health promotion and education across the full spectrum of breast cancer, are a huge step forward .

Breast cancer survivor, Karen Cranston, also spoke to the crowd about the importance of early detection . “The whole goal is to catch it before it becomes a huge issue, because I can tell you that not having to do chemotherapy was a huge thing for me,” she said .

All together, the 24 research and 12 community projects are aimed to further develop breast cancer awareness and treatment in hopes of making it a more manageable disease as the Foundation, our supporters, researchers and advocates work to help create a future without breast cancer .

Striving for a Cure The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region announces unprecedented $10 million grant allocation


“At $10 million, this is a record-setting allocation for our region aimed at developing awareness and treatments to make breast cancer more manageable.”One of the 24 research grant recipients, Dr . Deborah Anderson, gives media a tour of her laboratory following a press conference at the Royal University Hospital on November 24, 2011 . One of seven researchers located in Saskatchewan, Dr. Anderson is dedicating her efforts to understanding the role of a specific protein, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), in triple negative cancers . Her hope is to use a second protein, p85, to eliminate the EGFRs in breast cancer cells and turn cells back to normal . Photo courtesy of Liam Richards, University of Saskatchewan Research and Communications .

The Research

university of saskatchewan & saskatchewan Cancer Agency • Dr. Deborah Anderson Role of p85 in EGFR-expressing triple negative breast cancer

University of A lberta • Dr. Shairaz Baksh The role of pro-apoptotic protein, MOAP-1, in triple negative breast cancer

university of saskatchewan & sask atchewan cancer Agency • Dr. Keith Bonham Epigenetic reprogramming of transcription in b reast cancer cells by HDAC inhibitors

University of Al berta • Dr. David Brindley Novel mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer

University of Alberta • Dr. Sambasivarao Damaraju Mechanisms underlying post- chemotherapy outcomes in early stage breast cancer treated with adjuvant docetaxel, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide: Identification and validation of predictive biomarkers

CancerCare Manitoba • Dr. James Davie Role of peroxiredoxin phosphorylation in estrogen rec eptor negative breast cancer

University of Alberta • Dr. Richard Fahlm an Alternative mechanisms of BRCA1 protein turnover and apoptosis

University of Alberta • Dr. Larry Fliegel Role and regu lation of the Na+/H+ exchanger in proliferation of breast cancer cells

University of Ca lgary • Dr. Don Fujita Steps in the Src sign aling pathway that are important mediators in breast cancer metastasis and critical targets for targeted therapeutics

University of Saskatchewan • Dr. Ron Geyer Antib odies targeting the ErbB2/ErbB3/ IGF-1R complex as therapeutics for ErbB2 positive breast cancer

University of Alberta • Dr . Roseline Godbout Investigating the mechanism underlying retinoic acid resistance in triple-negative breast cancer

University of Saskatche wan • Dr. Troy Harkness The antiproliferative effects of insulin sensitizing drugs on multiple drug resistant breast cancer cells

University of Alberta • Dr. R oger Leng Mechanisms of inactivation of the p53 pathway in breast cancer

Cross Cancer Institute/University of Alberta • dr. margaret mcneely Feasibility of night-time compression systems for breast cancer related Lymphedema

University of C algary • Don Morris Oncolytic Viral Immunotherapy for breast cancer

University of Alberta • Dr. David Murray Targeting the apoptotic threshold for improving breast cancer therapy

University of Alberta • Dr. Manijeh Pasdar The role of plakoglobin in the p53 pathway in breast normal and carcinoma cell lines

University of Calgary • Dr. Karl Riabowol Can ING epigenetic regulators predic t response to epigenetic cancer drugs?

Cross Cancer Institute/University of Alberta • dr. Wi lson roa Targeted paramagnetic gold nanoparticles in the treatment of breast cancer

University of Saskatchewan • Dr. David Sande rs Design of B-glucuronidase for use in antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT)

University of Saskatchewan • Dr. Rajendra S harma Role of N-myristoyltransferase in modulating breast cancer

University of Alberta • Dr. Andrew S immonds Defining the role of post-transcriptional regulation for the Wnt1 breast cancer associated oncogene

University of Alberta • Dr . Jack Tuszynski Towards individualized T ubulin targeting chemotherapy for breast cancer

university of sask at chewan & saskatchewan Cancer Agency • Dr. Jim Xiang A combinatorial immunotherapy of anti-HER-2 antibody and HER-2 specific adenoviral vector vaccine for advanced HER-2 positive brea st cancer .

In 2011, we allocated $8 .3 million to 24 Research Grants across the RegionResearch Grants


In 2011, we allocated $1 .7 million to 12 Breast Health Education & Awareness Community Grants across the Region

adolescent breast health: strategic Enhancement of be PinK / vivre en rose

host organization: CancerCare Manitoba, Breast Cancer Centre of Hope – The BCCH’s mandate is to enhance the quality of breast cancer care for all Manitobans through the provision of a province-wide breast health/cancer information, support and referral service .

growing and sustaining the manitoba breast and Women’s cancer network

host organization: CancerCare Manitoba, Breast Cancer Centre of Hope – The BCCH’s mandate is to enhance the quality of breast cancer care for all Manitobans through the provision of a province-wide breast health/cancer information, support and referral service .

breast cancer & health awareness Project (bchaP)

host organization: Calgary Chinese Community Services Association – The CCCSA’s mission is to empower current and future generations of Chinese in the community by acting as a bridge to mainstream institutions and organizations .

breast health awareness for hard to reach Women in south asian community

host organization: Indo-Canadian Women’s Association – The association is committed to full participation of immigrant and visible minority women in every aspect of life . They provide guidance to clients to assist them in coping with everyday problems such as housing, transportation and access to social and health services . They do this by organizing special events, projects, workshops, lecture sessions, health fairs, and conferences for focus groups from South Asian Communities .

charting the Journey of chinese Women with breast cancer and the role of health literacy: taking a step back to pilot a community resource unit to improve the health care access and utilization.

host organization: University of Calgary, Calgary Chinese Community Service Association and Literacy Alberta

breast health initiative for newcomers

host organization: Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association – The CIWA is the only immigrant serving agency in Calgary offering all female programs and services . The Association offers 30 programs in over 100 community locations to assist with settlement and integration, language training and childcare, employment services, family services and volunteer and community development .

approaching cancer care and Prevention holistically

host organization: Eagle Moon Health Office, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region – The Eagle Moon Health Office works with departments in the health region to assist with improving service delivery to better meet the needs and improve health outcomes of First Nations and Metis people. The office achieves this goal by building relationships with the First Nations and Metis communities, connecting them with health workers to collaborate and work toward meeting the holistic health needs of the population .

multicultural breast health Peer Educator Project

host organization: ASSIST Community Services Centre – ASSIST works to address the needs of the immigrant population in Edmonton . Its goal is to enhance the lives of individuals and families through quality programs and services like language training, emerging community needs, employment training referral, citizenship, immigration and health and wellness programs .

irtc breast cancer awareness

host organization: Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Inc . (IRTC) – This council provides advisory, consultation and service delivery of programs to its many member First Nations to enhance First Nations people’s rights, languages, customs and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process .

healing through art Program Phase two

host organization: NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group – This group’s mandate is to increase and improve breast health awareness in the Northwest Territories and information and support services for NWT women and families affected by breast cancer .

breast health awareness: Empowering immigrant Women in central alberta

host organization: Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association – The Association’s goal is to empower the immigrant community in central Alberta by raising the level of awareness of immigrant women and their families and assisting them in achieving their full potential as members of the Canadian Society .

team shan alberta & saskatchewan breast cancer awareness for young Women Project

host organization: Team Shan Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women – Team Shan is dedicated to raising awareness that breast cancer is not just a disease of older women . Team Shan’s purpose is to educate the public, health care professionals and young women about early detection, risk reduction and the prevention of breast cancer .

Community Grants


A lack of information about lymphedema management in Saskatchewan was no secret to Stacey Lovo Grona, director of the Continuing Physical Therapy Education program at the University of Saskatchewan . Questions were coming in from therapists across the province, and credentialed lymphedema therapists recognized that earlier identification of lymphedema and improved access to treatment was needed . To get information about the condition into the hands of more people, Continuing Physical Therapy Education, the Lymphedema Association of Saskatchewan and Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region partnered to organize the Lymphedema Management Symposium .

“The earlier lymphedema is diagnosed, the better . Increasing the number of health professionals that can recognize the problem and improving awareness of the morbidity of the condition is critical,” says Stacey .

Lymphedema is a problem for some women who have been or are currently being treated for breast cancer . It can result when lymph nodes in the underarm area are surgically removed or receive radiation . Because the lymphatic system is unable to work as effectively in that area, lymph fluid can build up and cause swelling in the arm, hand, or chest .

Symptoms can start right after surgery, or months or years later . A woman might feel tightness in the arm, armpit, shoulder, or chest, or experience a feeling of heaviness in her arm . Initial symptoms may be no more than a redness or heat . For some, having the condition is mildly annoying, but for others, it is extremely limiting and painful, severely impacting quality of life .

In Saskatchewan, women are not automatically referred to a therapist who is experienced with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment .

Early identification of lymphedema is critical. This enables patient referral to care givers who can provide management strategies to improve function, quality of life, and overall health of patients with lymphedema .

The symposium, funded through a Prairies/NWT Region grant, and put on by the Continuing Physical Therapy Education department in partnership with the Lymphedema Association of Saskatchewan and the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, was held April 19 and 20, 2012 . Physical therapists, physicians, occupational therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, massage therapists, kinesiologists, podiatrists, students, other interested health professionals, policy makers, and program planners were welcome .

In workshops, plenary sessions, a public forum, and discussions, participants learned from experts about best- practice guidelines for management of lymphedema .

“With 95 registrants at the conference, we now have that many more professionals looking for this condition, referring women quickly to the therapists who can help them, and beginning treatment with education and advice,” says Stacey .

Continuing Physical Therapy Education is now working on increasing the number of therapists with credentials to treat lymphedema by bringing in educational courses .

That’s good news as certified lymphedema therapists like Tracy Gardikiotis, a member of the symposium planning committee, are rare in Saskatchewan—and busy . Tracy sees hundreds of lymphedema patients and has a long waiting list . Her services are so valuable that her patients nominated her for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award because of how she impacted their quality of life .

Symposium provides knowledge that helps therapists improve quality of life for some survivors .

Spreading the Word

What is lymphedema? Lymphedema – the swelling in the affected arm, hand or chest wall caused by a buildup of lymph fluid – may happen soon after breast cancer treatment, but can occur months or even years later .

The swelling happens because lymph nodes, which normally act as filters, aren’t able to do their job as well because they’ve been removed by surgery, or they’ve been damaged by radiation therapy or the cancer itself . Lymphedema is different from the swelling in the breast, armpit and arm areas that can happen just after surgery, and can be a temporary or a long-term condition .


The p53 gene is a tumour suppressor and the most commonly mutated gene involved in human cancer . In more than half of human breast tumours, the gene is inactive, implying that the tumours may not have occurred if the p53 protein had been present . Finding out what’s causing that inactivation is the job of Dr . Roger Leng, a researcher in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Alberta .

“Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, accounting for 34 .5 per cent of all female cancer in North America,” says Dr . Leng . “The importance of p53 in safeguarding genomes has been clearly demonstrated by genetic and clinical studies . Loss of p53 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer, and the regulation of p53 expression and stability are essential for maintaining normal cell growth .”

How important is p53? Dr . Leng says that wild type p53 protein plays a critical role in preventing tumour

development; p53-deficient mice are highly susceptible to tumours, and more than 75 per cent of p53-deficient mice developed tumours in six months . Inactivation of the gene also correlates with poor prognosis and drug resistance in malignant tumours .

Researchers around the world are interested in controlling p53 . There are two ways to do so: making the mutated gene functional again and finding out what’s causing the p53 to disappear . Dr . Leng focuses on the latter . He began studying p53 and its interaction with MDM2, a protein that lowers p53, in the 1990s . Knowing that MDM2 was not able to inactivate p53 on its own, he recently headed a project to try to discover the molecule that was interacting with the MDM2 . And he’s found it .

Dr . Leng and his team received a research grant from the Prairies/NWT Region to explore the mechanisms of inactivation of p53 and discovered that the UBE4B protein binds with p53 and MDM2 to cause the

degradation of p53 . In both a laboratory model and cancerous human brain tissues, the results showed that the two proteins cause poly-ubiquitination—the complete disappearance of a protein in a cell .

The discovery is extremely important . While there is still much work that needs to be done, including understanding how UBE4B regulates MDM2, the findings suggest that it could be possible to both prevent and stop the degradation of the tumour-suppressing p53 protein by targeting UBE4B .

“Successful completion of proposed experiments could lead to novel anti-cancer therapies that could potentially improve the prognosis for cancer patients and reduce the public health burden from cancer,” says Dr . Leng .

The research has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Medicine.

exciting FindA University of Alberta researcher discovers what’s causing an important tumour suppressor to disappear from the human body .

t h e I m p o R ta n t D I S C o V e R y: Dr. Roger Leng


The human body makes thousands of proteins, many of which can cause cancer when they are overactive . Scientists have been looking for ways to inhibit the over-expression of cancer-causing proteins, and some drugs have been developed that will stop a certain protein, but it’s impossible—and expensive—to develop drugs for every single cancer-causing protein . Dr . Don Fujita, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Calgary and a member of the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, believes his research may eventually help lead to a solution .

Dr . Fujita and his team are using small RNA molecules (siRNAs) patterned after those already in the body to inhibit protein expression through RNA interference (RNAi) technology . RNAi is always going on in human bodies, as well as in many other organisms . Dr . Fujita’s research involves identifying gene products, or proteins, involved in the cancer, and then making RNA molecules that shut off these specific proteins and injecting them into and around the tumour in experimental mice .

“We can knock down the expression of any one of the 21,000 or so proteins that we want to,” says Dr . Fujita . “If we know which proteins are involved in causing certain types of cancer, we can use these molecules and don’t have to use a drug that is probably not even available .”

Aside from the ability to target any protein, RNAi technology presents the possibility of a cancer treatment without harmful side effects because, if properly designed and administered, it doesn’t impact anything other than the protein the molecules are intended to silence .

Another advantage is that this type of treatment would be able to deal simultaneously with two or more different proteins involved in a particular type of cancer . This would greatly reduce the chance of mutation and resistance to the treatment .

So far, the results of the project, which began in 2011, have been promising .

“We have identified certain gene products involved in some triple-negative breast cancers using human cancer cell lines that, when implanted in mice, form breast tumours and metastasize to various organs like the lung and liver . We can inhibit the cancerous properties of these cells in cell cultures in the lab, and, when these cells are implanted into mice, we’ve found ways to block tumour growth and metastasis from occurring,” says Dr . Fujita .

Another important aspect of the project is figuring out how to get the RNA molecules to areas of metastasis in the body in advanced cases where the cancer has spread and the extent of the spread is not fully known . Dr . Fujita and his team are testing the use of peptides and other substances that recognize tumour cells to essentially carry the RNA molecules to the cancer cells through the bloodstream .

With RNAi showing promising results in other research areas and in his own lab, Dr . Fujita is hopeful that it will become a viable treatment for many diseases, including breast cancer, in the future .

“Good things will come of this technology, and we’re trying to advance it in terms of breast cancer research, especially against types of breast cancer that aren’t easily treated by existing therapies,” he says .

He also points out that funding from the Foundation is critical for research to continue, and credits the organization for getting the message about the need for research and awareness of the disease out to so many people .

“I’m involved in breast cancer research because of the efforts of thousands, perhaps millions, of women throughout North America, who have raised awareness about this disease and, more importantly, raised money to fund research,” he says . “This project could facilitate the eventual development of a new class of therapies that could be very powerful, would have few if any harmful side effects, and could be tailor-made to target any type of breast cancer .”

Search for a CureDr . Don Fujita’s research shows promising results for the eventual development of new therapies .

“I’m involved in breast cancer research because of the efforts of thousands, perhaps millions, of women throughout North America, who have raised awareness about this disease and, more importantly, raised money to fund research .”

– Dr . Don Fujita

Pictured below: Andy Pang and Dr . Jeff Bjorge, Senior Research Associate

t h e R e S e a R C h e R :

Dr. Don Fujita


Shan Larsen loved life - art, sports, music, and time with friends and family . Shan also enjoyed working with children, coaching figure skating, and teaching swimming . In 2005, after graduating with a visual arts degree, she was preparing to go into education when she was diagnosed with breast cancer . She was only 23 . Shan passed away four months later, but her spirit lives on in a unique project that may save the lives of other young women .

Team Shan Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women (Team Shan) was started by Shan’s mom, Lorna Larsen, a former health promotion specialist who was shocked when her daughter was diagnosed with the disease at such a young age .

“I wondered why the issue of breast cancer in young women had not come across my desk . I had heard that cancer in young adults is aggressive but little more than that,” says Lorna .

Team Shan is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness in young women through educational campaigns about the disease, risk factors, symptoms, and self-help strategies . In the fall of 2011, on the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the University of Saskatchewan campuses, Shan’s smiling face appeared on billboards, in transit shelters, and on the interior and exterior of buses . Brochures, bookmarks, and pens were distributed

and radio and closed-circuit television spots aired .

All materials feature Shan, a caption that makes it clear that she was only 24 when she lost her life, and the campaign theme, breast cancer . . . not just a disease of older women . Materials also included sunflowers inspired from Shan’s original artwork .

Campus partners played a key role in the success of the campaign . Partners included Student Health Services, who distributed Team Shan material at campus events and when young women come into clinics; campus library and bookstore staff, who also distributed materials; women’s resource centre partners and staff from faculties like nursing and kinesiology who conducted ‘lunch and learns .’

The campaigns wouldn’t be possible without the community grants Team Shan has received from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Prairies/NWT Region . Raising awareness among young women is important to the Region . In fact, it is the only Region of the Foundation with a Youth Advisory Council, a staff position dedicated to the council, and registered student groups at universities .

Team Shan conducted formal evaluations of the success of each campaign by asking young women on campus to complete questionnaires and provide

verbal comments . Team Shan also collected feedback through email and Facebook . “The vast majority of those who responded now understand their breast cancer risk . We’ve been asked to ‘continue doing this wonderful work,’ and next fall, Team Shan will be back on campuses across the prairies,” says Lorna .

Shan was shy, so Lorna thinks she would be pretty surprised to see her face on billboards and buses . She was also a caring, kind-hearted person who would be proud to see that her mom and Team Shan are making a difference .

“Young women felt it was important to know that Shan was a real person,” says Lorna . Through the campaigns, Team Shan has a way of spreading her message to love what you do, take care of yourself, and go for your dreams . “Shan’s spirit continues to speak,” says Lorna .

team ShanOne young woman’s diagnosis spurs educational campaign targeted at younger demographic .

“Young women felt it was important to know that Shan was a real person,” says Lorna . Through the campaigns, Team Shan has a way of spreading her message to love what you do, take care of yourself, and go for your dreams . “Shan’s spirit continues to speak,” – Lorna Larsen

Shanna Larsen was only 24when she lost her life to breast cancer

teamshan.ca

C o m m u n I t y G R a n t R e C I p I e n t: Team Shan


CIBC’s involvement in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure can be traced back to a handful of dedicated, passionate employees in B .C . who got together to run for a colleague who had breast cancer back in 1992 . Two years later, CIBC was a national sponsor of the event, which has grown by leaps and bounds; the 2011 CIBC Run for the Cure raised more than $30 million nationally, with Team CIBC raising $3 million . What keeps the organization and its employees committed to the cause? Ultimately, the CIBC Run for the Cure has become a part of who they are and what they do .

Walk into one of CIBC’s almost 1,100 branches in the months leading up to Run day and you’ll find pink everywhere. “The Run is part of the fabric of the organization,” says Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President . “As you come into the branch, you can feel it .”

There are posters on the walls, promotional materials, and, of course, the coveted CIBC Pink Collection™—five to six pink items like a teddy bear, bracelets, and tote bags, with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation . New items are added each year, generating interest and excitement from both clients and staff .

But keeping CIBC’s employees interested in supporting the Run year after year isn’t difficult; the event started with employees and has grown in a grassroots manner across the country .

“It’s a very important pride point,” says Christina . “Employees often say one of the key things they are really proud of is how the organization supports causes like the Run . It’s important to support our communities .”

In turn, says Christina, CIBC takes great pride in the volunteerism exhibited by staff . In 2011, about 13,000 employees took part in the Run, along with their families and friends . This includes the 6,000 employees who volunteered their time to help make sure the event went off without a hitch .

The fact that the Run has become part of CIBC’s culture can be seen throughout the organization . At the executive level, leaders are heavily involved, fundraising, participating in activities leading up to Run day, and hitting the pavement during the Run itself . They also support staff volunteers, like the 120 Run Champions—two for each community in which the event takes place—by providing time during the workday for them to dedicate to the Run .

CIBC has also launched Talk Pink, a blog where employees post stories and photos about their experiences with the Run, the fundraising drive, and breast cancer . It’s a way to remind one another that behind all the pink decorations and outfits, there are very real reasons for the hard work they put into the Run .

Always looking for new ways to demonstrate their commitment to the cause, CIBC co-presented the LinkPink 2011 Ride with Lance Armstrong, and supported the national rollout of the CIBC Run for the Cure Post Secondary Challenge last year .

“We saw this huge opportunity to get schools and teams involved, and targeted university and college students to get out and fundraise,” says Christina of the challenge .

The top student fundraisers received awards totalling $150,000 . The goal is to encourage students to participate while building awareness about breast cancer risk and the importance of a healthy lifestyle .

Whether they are donating time or money or just wholeheartedly supporting colleagues, CIBC employees at every level are dedicated to the Run that bears the organization’s name . More importantly, they are dedicated to a future without breast cancer, and that’s why supporting the foundation is very much at the heart of the organization. ▪

From sponsorship to employee participation at every level, CIBC embraces the Run for the Cure and the cause .

a Culture for the Cause

Each year, CIBC employees from across the country team up to show their support for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in droves . As the title sponsor of the CIBC Run for the Cure, they are committed company-wide to working to create a future without breast cancer .

In 2011, approximately 13,000 CIBC employees took part in the CIBC Run for the Cure and raised an impressive $3 million . This includes 6,000 employees who volunteered their time to help make sure the event went off without a hitch .


t h e pa S S I o n at e pa R t n e R : Team CIBC

15Report to the Community 2011/2012

You don’t expect to see the colour pink on a construction site . But thanks to PinkWood, a Calgary-based I-joist manufacturer, it’s popping up on more and more residential sites all the time, and it’s saving lives in more ways than one .

PinkWood is the brainchild of owner Richard Dettbarn, who was asked to buy back the equipment, assets, and intellectual property of an I-joist manufacturing company he’d previously sold that had then gone bankrupt .

“Richard knew that there were flaws with regular I-joists, namely their susceptibility to mould and fire. He had a coating that would eliminate those flaws and was trying to figure out what colour to make it,” says Blair Nutting, vice-president of sales and marketing, PinkWood . “They thought pink was a great colour and they also thought that they’d like to support breast cancer research .”

The desire to support breast cancer research stemmed from personal experience with friends dealing with the disease . Blair’s own sister-in-law passed away from breast cancer . Knowing the impact the disease has, the company wanted to make a difference by bringing awareness to the cause and providing funds . As a result, they committed to donating $0 .01 per linear foot to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region . So far, they’ve donated more than $25,000 .

But they didn’t stop there . PinkWood is now offering a line of paint called PinkShield, which has been endorsed by Mike Holmes and will be used by Holmes on his new TV

show, Make It Right . One product in the PinkShield line is used to protect wood from mould and moisture . The other is an intumescent paint that swells when heated . When a flame hits intumescent paint, the paint chars and swells to insulate the wood from the heat, decreasing the rate at which fire spreads. Every gallon of PinkShield sold will result in $0 .20 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation .

“In expanding our product base from I-joists, sheathing, and lumber to include paint, we didn’t think it was right that we only donated on the sale of lumber products,” says Blair, explaining why the company chose to do more than it was already doing .

PinkWood also supports the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation when taking part in pink house events, where builders construct all-pink houses to raise awareness and money for local charities . Pink houses have been built in Winnipeg, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Calgary, Wetaskiwin, and Slave Lake, and they get a lot of attention from the media . PinkWood coats all the I-joists, trusses, and lumber in its signature colour, donating a portion of the coating . It also donates a portion of the proceeds from the job to the Foundation .

“We’re very happy to support them, and they support us by providing someone to be at events like the pink house media events . They’ve been very good to work with,” says Blair . “What it is really all about is doing our part to help create a future without breast cancer . It is a terrible disease that needs to be eliminated .”

Manufacturer combines innovative products with a good cause .

In the pink

Canadian construction sites are going pink, thanks to Pinkwood – a Calgary-based I-joist manufacturer . The company uses a factory applied coating process, designed specifically to provide a visible and effective barrier against fire, mold, fungus and rot, and they donate a portion of their sales to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region .

t h e B u I L D e R S : PinkWood

Report to the Community 2011/201216

In the pink

In 2010, Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) and Van Houtte Coffee Services partnered to develop the Drink Pink campaign in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Prairies/NWT Region . The idea was simple; donate a portion of each cup of coffee sold to support a future without breast cancer . The results have met and exceeded all expectations, raising $100,000 in 2011 .

During October, customers at participating Co-op gas bars /convenience stores and in the deli department of food stores can purchase Van Houtte coffee in specially designed “Drink Pink” disposable cups . For each cup sold, participating co-op retailers and Van Houtte each make a $0 .05 contribution . Customers can also buy pink reusable travel mugs . Co-op partnership is then matched dollar for dollar by FCL .

“We knew we’d hit a home run when we saw the way the employees at the various locations took it upon themselves to do more,” says Vic Huard, FCL’s vice-president, Corporate Affairs . “We have retail co-op locations decorating the stores with pink ribbon, and young people asking their managers if they can put out pink balloons . Some stores realized that people who don’t want coffee might want to donate, so they decorated boxes and put them out . There was neat spontaneous stuff happening at the local level .”

Co-op chose to support the Foundation because the cause fits with its commitment to community and families and because the work that the Foundation does impacts people across western Canada. “It fit from a business perspective . It affects so many people, and we can drive awareness without creating a whole new program, because we sell coffee every day,” says Vic .

Van Houtte has contributed to the Foundation in many ways, including developing and selling a coffee blend called Pink Ribbon to raise money and awareness, and serving up tens of thousands of cups of coffee at Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure locations during the event .

“Van Houtte Coffee Services and our parent company, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, have a true belief in corporate social responsibility and encourage employees to get involved in causes,” says Todd Campbell, director, Sales and Marketing, Western Canada . “This is one of the significant causes for our company because it touches so many lives in Canada .”

Todd, whose grandmother survived breast cancer, believes that the success of the campaign is the result of the effort participating Co-ops put into promoting the Drink Pink campaign, creating awareness by transforming the stores’ front sections into a sea of pink . Not every Co-op location is part of the Van Houtte program; some are too small . Surprisingly, that didn’t stop one smaller Co-op in Plamondon, Alberta, population 345, from getting in on Drink Pink .

“They wanted to do something locally, so they decorated the store and put out a collection box, and raised $500 from their customers,” says Vic . The local Co-op matched the donation, and FCL was so impressed, it matched it again, bringing the amount to $2,000 .

Customers across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia have shown a strong desire to support Drink Pink . The campaign will run again in October 2012 .

Federated Co-op and Van Houtte brew up a campaign that captures the hearts of employees and customers .

Drink pink

Federated Co-Op and Van Houtte Coffee present a cheque of $100,000 to Chairman of the Prairies/NWT Region Board, Martin Kratz for their Drink Pink Campaign .

t h e C R e at I V e C a m pa I G n : Federated Co-op & Van Houtte


Breast cancer: steps you can take to reduce your risk There is no s ingle cause for breast cancer, but there are l i festyle factors which appear to increase the r isk of developing the disease .

Here is how you can reduce your r isk :

Did you know? In 2012, an estimated 22,700 women in Canada will be

diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s an average of 434 women every week.

90% of all breast cancer deaths occur in women 50 and older.

Maintain a healthy body weight

• While a healthy body weight is important throughout your life, it becomes more important after menopause as it can affect your breast cancer risk .

• Weight gained as an adult may also increase your risk .

• Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight may require a combination of changes in diet and physical activity .

• Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for you and a plan to reach and maintain that weight .

L imit a lcohol intake

• Less alcohol is better, no alcohol is best .

• If you do drink, limit yourself to one drink or less per day .

Avoid tobacco

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products .

• Try to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke .

• If you do smoke, quit . Talk to your doctor about ways to stop!

Be physical ly act ive

• Get active for at least 30 miutes a day, at least 5 days a week .

• It does not need to be a structured activity, but can include walking, taking the stairs, biking or hiking .

• It does not need to be all at one time - it can be spread throughout the day .

• Physical activity has shown to reduce breast cancer occurrence in women of all ages and to prevent breast cancer from reoccurring .

• For more information, visit www .phac-aspc .gc .ca

Eat wel l

• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains .

• Limit your intake of sugar, fat and foods high in trans-fats (fried foods and pastries) .

• Include legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils) .

• Limit red meat and increase fish.

• Eat a variety of foods while following Canada’s Food Guide .

• For more information, visit www .hc-sc .gc .ca

It’s never too early or too late to make a change.

y o u R D o L L a R S at W o R k : Education


Dancing Queen

Sometimes great ideas are sparked by a bout of insomnia . In August 2011, 11-year-old Sydney Jinjoe dreamed up a jump-a-thon while trying to fall asleep . By the following day, the young dance enthusiast and her mom, Rachel, had transformed that idea into a dance-a-thon, an event that ended up raising more than $10,000 .

Sydney’s dance-a-thon was held on October 15, 2011, and saw about 55 participants—many of them Sydney’s friends and fellow dancers but some older people as well—dancing for as long as they could in studio space donated by Riverbend Dance Academy . Sydney’s goal was to raise $5,000, and she was pleasantly surprised as the money kept pouring in .

“We had a giant piece of poster board and we were colouring in the thermometer to show how much was donated, and we had to actually add paper to it,” says Sydney . “I was surprised at first but there were a lot of generous people who worked really hard, so in the end it didn’t surprise me .”

Sydney doesn’t know how many hours she and Rachel spent organizing the event but says there wasn’t a day that they didn’t do something related to the dance-a-thon . That included talking to local businesses, getting them to donate snacks, music, prizes, and gifts . Some stores also collected donations .

It’s not common for young people to devote so much energy and time to fundraising for breast cancer, but Sydney knows a lot about the impacts of the disease . Her great-aunt, Diane Hoeppner, had breast cancer, and eventually passed away as a result .

“She had cancer three times and I watched her suffer through it,” says Sydney . “But she was always happy the entire time . You would never know she was sick .”

It was Diane who got Sydney interested in the cause when Sydney was just six . “She never wore her wig . She told me if she had hair like mine in her wig, she would wear it, and that was the moment I realized that this was what I was meant to do,” says Sydney .

At six, Sydney started her charity work by finding an organization to which she donated 10 inches of her long blonde hair so that softer wigs could be made . Over the years she did bottle drives, raffles, and lemonade stands to raise money, and continued to grow out and donate her hair .

Sydney attributes the enormous success of the dance-a-thon to the dedication of the people who participated, donated, and pledged . Dancers collected lump-sum, by-the-hour, or by-the-minute pledges, and a “ginormous” bottle placed at the front door of the dance

studio was filled with spontaneous donations from friends and family who came to watch, eat, and even do a little dancing .

As for getting other kids motivated to take part, the fun factor certainly played a role in getting them interested, as did a ticket to a Selena Gomez concert for the top fundraiser . But Sydney believes that the stories of people who have been touched by breast cancer inspired much of the enthusiasm she saw in her friends .

The second annual Breast Cancer Dance-A-Thon is scheduled to take place at Riverbend Dance Academy in October 2012 .

11-year-old Sydney shows the world what’s possible with a dance-a-thon .

“We had a giant piece of poster board and we were colouring in the thermometer to show how much was donated, and we had to actually add paper to it . . .”

t h e y o u n G a n D m I G h t y: Sydney Jinjoe


October 2, 2011 – CEO Trish Bronsch embraces Heather Williams at the Calgary Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure . Heather and her team, Team Heather, were the top fundraisers for the 2011 CIBC Run for the Cure in Calgary accumulating a total of $51,585, with Heather herself raising a remarkable $35,850 .

t h e I n S p I R at I o n : Heather Williams


In the midst of treatment for breast cancer and often unable to even walk her dog in the months preceding the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure on October 2, 2011, Heather Williams had only planned to do one kilometre of the five-kilometre route. On Run day, and against her team’s advice, she decided to go the distance, completing the entire five kilometres and taking a giant step for hope, courage, and life .

Diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 38, Heather decided early on that she would handle breast cancer with a positive attitude and positive energy . Although she’d supported the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and other CIBC Run for the Cure participants in the past after losing someone close to her in 1993, she had never participated in the event herself, nor was she considering doing so this year until a neighbour, Erin, whom Heather knew casually, rang her doorbell and asked if she could run in Heather’s honour .

Honoured by the request, Heather agreed and later decided to join the team and do the one-kilometre route . “I wasn’t about to wait for tomorrow when I could make a difference today,” she says . “It wasn’t a matter of how I participated but more a matter of being there and experiencing support and positive energy, a celebration of tomorrow and the future .”

There was certainly no guarantee Heather would be well enough to participate .

Just six weeks before Run day, she had a frightening incident that left her in hospital wondering if she was going to survive . She recovered but didn’t have a lot of energy for training or fundraising . Most of her fundraising was done by email, and Heather had modest hopes in terms of how much she could raise .

Team Heather quickly grew in number, totalling 38 by Run day . Members included Heather’s good friend Christie from Grande Prairie, who registered under an alias and surprised Heather with a bouquet of pink roses the evening before . Even Heather’s dog Stella took part, proudly sporting a pink T-shirt .

While the entire experience was wonderful, Heather says the best part was the way friends, family, and countless others pinked up the route and put out signs of support . At the four-kilometre mark, when she thought she couldn’t go any further, she saw a sign reading “Never Give Up .”

She didn’t, and ended up being the top fundraiser in Calgary, raising $35,850 of her team's total $51,585 .

“The CIBC Run for the Cure did more for me than you can ever imagine . When you go through treatment, you’re physically, emotionally, and mentally drained, and to have that boost of support and know you’re not alone was amazing,” says Heather .

For Heather, the event is not about celebrating survivorship but coming together, not just as family and friends or as a community but across Canada, to say “We can make a difference .” She found the experience empowering and looks forward to contributing further to the Foundation in the area of education .

“I want to leave a mark of celebration for courage, hope, inner strength, and determination . I want people to know me for how I have coped with the disease and how I choose to live with the disease,” she says . “I truly believe that a positive attitude is more than half the battle .”

Beacon of hopeHeather Williams may have breast cancer, but she’s not about to let it keep her from contributing to the cause .

sitE total ParticiPants

$ raisEd As of Feb 29, 2012

Brandon 547 $109,678

Calgary 7,680 $1,847,448

Edmonton 9,736 $1,910,665

Fort McMurray 603 $164,395

Iqaluit 57 $38,867

Lethbridge 743 $158,833

Red Deer 1,070 $258,355

Regina 2,280 $474,341

Saskatoon 1,778 $386,465

Winnipeg 5,353 $875,284

total 29,847 $6,224,331

canadian brEast cancEr foundation cibc run for thE curE 2011


Guys who work on drilling rigs are known for being rough and tough . But on one site in Saskatchewan in May 2011, a couple of hundred young drillers gathered, some with pink T-shirts and hair dyed pink, to open their hearts and wallets in support of a future without breast cancer .

“It was unbelievable . We had these four big drills and all these tough, young Alberta guys, and they were all showing up with pink T-shirts with pictures of their aunt, or grandmother, or mother on them,” says Gord Graham, Deputy Project Director, Sub-Surface, BHP Billiton .

Paint Saskatchewan Pink was held by BHP Billiton to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and awareness about the disease . The two-day event was held in two locations, first on one of the

company’s sites and then on the street in front of its Saskatoon office.

The impetus for the event was a big, tough guy himself, field construction superintendent Jim O’Hara . A number of women in Jim’s family had a history with breast cancer, and he wanted to do something to help . Jim mentioned his desire to fellow employee Randi Oszust, who discussed it with Gord .

“My older sister is a five-and-a-half-year survivor of breast cancer,” says Gord . “We thought it was a great cause to take on .”

They shut down work at the Jansen Potash Project Site for about four hours on May 12, sectioned off an area so that it was safe, set up large marquis tents, and had a lot of fun . Employees were treated to a catered barbecue lunch and entered a

50/50 draw for the chance to win prizes . But winning, says Gord, wasn’t what was motivating them to buy .

“They were buying hundreds of dollars’ worth of tickets,” he says . “I was amazed at the enthusiasm the guys had .” He believes that participation was so strong because men who have been affected by the disease had an opportunity to make a difference for the women they love and others like them .

The enthusiasm of the drillers surprised more than Gord . “The big moment for me was watching big Jim O’Hara that day on the site—his amazement at the size of the event and the support from everyone,” says Gord .

The following day, BHP Billiton invited the public to participate by holding a

barbecue and selling burgers on the street in Saskatoon . About 650 people from local businesses took part .

The company chose to support the Foundation because of the critical importance of the Foundation’s work . Through the generosity of those at the events and of the contractors who had people working out at the site and made donations, BHP Billiton raised more than $100,000 . Just as importantly, the T-shirts worn by those men directly affected by breast cancer and the stories they shared increased awareness among other young men who may have never thought about breast cancer before .

BHP Billiton is planning to make Paint Saskatchewan Pink an annual event .

painting Saskatchewan pinkRough, tough drillers go pink in support of a future without breast cancer .

R e a L t o u G h : B HP Billiton


As February 25, 2012, the date of the third Pink Ladies Snow Ride for a Cure, approached, things were looking . . . green . Without snow, there could be no 50-kilometre snowmobile ride . Or could there? So committed are the women who make up the Pink Ladies committee that they decided to hold the event anyway, quickly planning a parade in which registered riders could Ride, err, walk to help create a future without breast cancer .

“The ladies just really shocked us,” says committee member Carol Garnham . “Not only did they come and participate in the parade, they came wearing their favourite feather boas, pink hats, pink hair and even giant head-to-toe ribbons .”

The event, which included a kick-off meet-and-greet the evening before, a parade through two towns, lunch, and an evening banquet with a silent auction, was a success . More than 70 would-be snowmobile riders from across the province, accompanied by family and friends attended, many of whom had taken part in the 2007 and 2009 rides .

Described by Carol as “a group of committed, strong, energetic, and all-kinds-of-crazy ladies” from diverse backgrounds, the Pink Ladies formed in 2007 to support a good cause . The mission of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation struck a chord .

“Everybody has been impacted in some way . Some of our committee members have had breast cancer; others know

someone . Maybe you can’t help in other ways, but you can support the mission of research, creating awareness, providing meaningful education, and improving early diagnosis and treatment,” says Carol . “You don’t have to have any special skills and knowledge because you’re contributing to the people who have the skills and knowledge .”

Snowmobiling is a passion for many people in small prairie communities, so the Pink Ladies thought a snow ride would be a creative way to capture interest and get participation. They were right. The first ride raised more than $30,000 and the second more than $40,000 .

Thinking that pledges would be lower in 2012 due to the weather, the ladies lowered their fundraising goal to a modest $15,000 . But when all was tallied, the total came to more than $30,000 .

Organizing the ride is an enormous amount of work . The Pink Ladies meet every week or two for months, keeping detailed timelines so they know what needs to be done when . They design raffle tickets, obtain support from local businesses, book locations, plan meals, fundraise, arrange for the trail to be groomed (local snowmobile club Club Snow donates the service and helps out on event day), get liability insurance, and much more .

Carol says the hours of work are worth it when a woman living with breast cancer speaks at the banquet . “When you

actually see someone living it, breathing it and they are grateful because what you are doing is helping them and others like them, I think that’s the aha moment for many of us as committee members and riders who fundraise so tirelessly .”

There are often tears; this year people were touched when a committee member accepted a snowsuit for being one of the top fundraisers and turned around to present it to a woman undergoing treatment . But the tears are mixed with large quantities of laughter, energy, and spirit . “And what helps a person get through cancer?” says Carol . “Laughter, energy, and spirit .”

The Pink Ladies didn’t let the weather stand in the way .

and the Ride Goes on

An unseasonable warm winter didn’t stop The Pink Ladies, who still managed to raise twice their original goal for their annual snowmobile ride even after they had to swap the ride for a walk due to a lack of snow .

t h e u n S t o p pa B L e : Pink Ladies


Zumba for Dollars

Research shows that exercise plays a key role in decreasing the risk of many types of cancers, including breast cancer . With a mission to strengthen women, Curves International Inc . has partnered with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, running the Curves for a Cure campaign each October . Interestingly, the company’s franchisees and members led them to the partnership .

“Franchise owners and members were already fundraising . We decided to find out how much they were doing, and we were amazed,” says Becky Frusher, corporate communications, Curves International . Becky attributes the proactive fundraising going on in Curves across the country to the type of people who choose to become owners . “They are leaders in the club, and they are leaders in their communities .”

Curves International has always been committed to giving back to the community, and founders and owners Gary and Diane Heavin had personal experience with cancer in the family . Those facts, combined with the knowledge that people can reduce their chance of developing some types of cancer by up to 60 per cent through exercise, diet, and managing their weight, made the decision to provide corporate support an easy one .

“Cancer touches so many lives, it was a no brainer for us to get involved with the cream of the crop, the best of the best, and that’s how we view the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation,” says Becky .

Turns out that corporate leadership really doesn’t have to get very involved; owners and members are more than motivated to fundraise . Curves International just puts the word out so clubs that might not know about it can participate, announces results and awards, and ensures that everyone knows the cumulative impact the clubs have made .

In 2011, 117 franchises participated in the Curves for a Cure campaign in support of the Prairies/NWT Region . They raised

money in a variety of ways, including holding bra decoration contests in which creatively adorned bras were auctioned off or members could pay a dollar to vote on best bra .

“They have all kinds of creative ways of having fun and engaging their members and community,” says Becky .

The Curves Circuit with Zumba Work-Out-A-Thon that took place at Fort McMurray Curves in 2011 is another very successful example . Owner Celine Lutz drew on the latest dance craze to combine exercise and fundraising . Hoping to raise $5,000, Celine, her team, and her members Zumba’d their way to $10,192 .

Celine isn’t sure why the event was so successful, but she has her ideas . “The ladies have a bit of a competitive nature, and Fort McMurray is a very giving community,” she explains .

The members also come together as a sisterhood of support and encouragement for one another, something that is important to Celine, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago at 36, when her son was just four .

“For me, personally, I keep a healthy balance mentally, physically, and spiritually . Exercise helps raise the serotonin and makes you feel generally better . It’s also encouraging when you’re at your darkest hour and you’re feeling blue and thinking you’re alone that there is a fabulous sisterhood here . People start sharing their own stories and you just had no idea . That helps build the strength to continue on,” she says .

Curves International is proud of its clubs, members, and everyone who supports the Foundation and continues to spread the message that managing weight through diet and exercise isn’t just about looking good; it’s about protecting health .

Curves franchisees like Celine Lutz contribute to a successful partnership with more than a little help from their members .

J o I n t h e C L u B : Curves


Braving more than the ShaveLong-time Brave the Shave sponsor Carla Reimer was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet her enthusiasm never wavered .In motocross and snowmobile circles, FXR Racing is known for its innovative line of racing apparel, but here at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT regional offices, FXR is more than just a company – it’s a valuable supporter, led by a dear friend .

Milt and Carla Reimer, company founders and co-owners of FXR Racing, actively give back to their community by supporting causes that mean a lot to them, and they’ve been involved with the Foundation for the past eight years .

Personally and professionally, they’ve donated both time and resources to the Brave the Shave initiative, providing every participant who shaves off their hair with a complimentary toque . In 2009, they became the official headwear sponsor for Batting Against Breast Cancer and give a free baseball cap to every single registrant at each tournament . They also sell a line of pink ribbon clothing in their stores, with proceeds donated to the Region .

But it’s a truth universally known: cancer knows no

boundaries, and Carla was diagnosed with breast cancer on December 6, 2011 .

“Several of my aunts and also a cousin have had breast cancer . I was not entirely surprised when my doctor gave me the news, but it didn’t make processing it any easier,” she says .

She began treatment right away, and her commitment to the Foundation was as strong as ever . In fact, Carla – who still works as a substitute teacher – was once again on hand to celebrate at the 2012 Brave the Shave School Challenge last spring . Each year, all of the high school students in Manitoba are invited to take part in the event, and the participating students at the top fundraising school excitedly lose their locks in front of their friends and classmates .

“I’m a teacher, and I’m happy to go into schools and meet students who are raising funds and shaving for such a fantastic cause,” she says . “I’ve shed tears at several of the Brave the Shaves when the girls have shaved, and now I can truly relate .”

She’s seen many students take part in the event over the years,

but the most memorable is still the first. At the inaugural Brave the Shave School Challenge, the top fundraising student was a young woman whose mother had recently passed away from breast cancer .

“I don’t think there were many dry eyes in the gymnasium when she was shaved, including mine,” says Carla . “She was a true inspiration .”

This year, she herself brought down the house when she bravely announced that she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and told everyone in attendance – including the Manitoba Minister of Education – that she was wearing a wig .

“It was important to share my story this year, because now I am speaking from experience .”

It was an extraordinary moment for all who were there, including Foundation staff members, each of whom has been moved time and again by Carla’s commitment and support throughout the years . Today Carla is finished her treatments and said good-bye to her toques and hats; her hair has already started to grow back .

Left to right: Carla with Minister of Education, Nancy Allan and Anita Bihun from Western Safety Sign Co .

Sisler students who Braved the Shave pose wearing their toques from FXR and t-shirts from Warehouse One .

Brave the Shave Sponsors

t h e B R a V e : Carla Reimer


Tanya Yaceyko makes a big difference as the volunteer Run Director for the Edmonton CIBC Run for the Cure . Pictured here with her mother, Gisele, a breast cancer survivor, Tanya says seeing her Mom participate in the event year after year is all the motivation she needs .

t h e m o t I V at o R : Tanya Yaceyko


Fourteen years ago, Tanya Yaceyko felt the helplessness many people who have been impacted by breast cancer are familiar with when her mom, Gisele Yaceyko, was diagnosed . Wanting to do something to help the cause, Tanya took part in Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in Edmonton . Over the years, she has gone from participant to organizer, dedicating hours and hours of time to the Foundation and the event .

Tanya didn’t set out to be a volunteer Run director, but she’s always been passionate about the cause . She encouraged her former colleagues at Value Drug Mart to join the CIBC Run for the Cure and was team captain for more than 10 years . Four years ago, she found herself with extra time on her hands and a desire to do more for the Foundation . As fate would have it, an email looking for a volunteer Run director reached her, and the rest is history .

Orchestrating the event is no simple task . The Edmonton Run attracts about 10,000 participants annually, and the list of activities that must be done is extensive . Most Run directors serve for just two years because the role requires such a large time commitment .

But ask Tanya what’s involved, and her answer belies the amount of effort involved on her part .

“It’s just making sure that you have a good committee and you support them with everything that they need, whether it be knowledge from participating in the Run for years or motivation or help with everything, like picking up and delivering T-shirts at the last minute,” she says .

Many of the people on the Edmonton Run committee are old hands; in 2012, 19 committee

members returned, and there is a total of 74 years of event experience in the group . Having that knowledge and experience on the committee is very important .

“It’s all volunteer-led, so you’re using everyone’s experience from the year before . If we tried something last year and it didn’t work out so well, we try something else . If it did work well, we do it again and build from it,” says Tanya .

New committee members are just as critical because they bring fresh ideas and new enthusiasm into the mix .

One of the ways Tanya and the rest of the committee stay motivated is by sharing favourite Run day experiences during the first meeting of the year . Each story is different, ranging from sitting on the bus with everyone wearing pink or standing at the start line just as the runners and walkers go past .

As direct or, Tanya no longer has time to participate on Run day, but in 2011 she brought Value Drug Mart on as a sponsor to raise $7,500 . She does it all because of her own two favourite Run for the Cure day experiences. The first is the sight of all the pink T-shirts, each worn by a survivor . To her, those bright shirts are physical proof that there is a reason for volunteering, for running, and for supporting the cause .

The second is seeing her mom run . Gisele and Tanya have been participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in Edmonton since 1998, and there’s no doubt that they’ll be involved for many more .

Tanya Yaceyko goes from participant to committed volunteer leader in support of mom and others with breast cancer .

She’s Running with It

As the largest volunteer led organization dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer in Canada, the Foundation relies on our volunteers to provide vital support on committees, in the office and at events.

Are you team oriented, organized, enthusiastic and willing to try new things?Become a volunteer and help create a future without breast cancer . Learn about various volunteer positions in your area and sign up online at www .cbcf .org .


Passion and commitment are the ingredients for magic, and the employees at the River East Safeway store in Winnipeg have both . Last October, they pulled out all the stops during Safeway’s annual campaign for the foundation and watched the total funds raised climb past their target of $6,000 to hit almost $10,000 . While they’re a pretty passionate bunch all the time, it’s the universal and personal impacts of the cause that drive them to do so much .

“We had a really low point a few weeks ago,” says Linda Fortney, manager of the River East store, explaining that the wife of a colleague succumbed after a four-year battle with breast cancer . “But then we had a super high point when one of the cashiers who has been living with breast cancer came back to work after 11 months . We want to raise as much money as we can so that a cure can be found and we have way more of those high points .”

In 2011, its 10th year of partnering with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Safeway’s October campaign raised $1 .8 million, bringing the total raised since just 2005 to $17 .8 million . The cause is supported at all levels of the organization, and Safeway is involved in many ways, including as the region’s floral sponsor and as co-presenting sponsor of the 2010 and 2011 LinkPink events featuring Lance Armstrong .

“Thousands of people walk through

the doors of Safeway stores every day, shopping for their groceries and helping to supply meals for their loved ones . Through our wide reach across Western Canada, we continue to hear stories of how our customers and employees live with the realities of breast cancer . In light of this role in the communities we serve and that breast cancer is the leading cancer amongst Canadian women, Safeway chose to support the foundation’s efforts and our neighbours living with the disease,” says Renée Hopfner, director, Community Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility .

Employees are provided tools to assist them in their fundraising efforts such as kits to help them increase awareness, but it’s the passionate employees who make the campaign so successful . There are many events throughout the month, several of them dreamed up by enthusiastic individuals or groups, but about 95 per cent of the money raised comes from customers donating at the check stands, which means that cashiers play a key role .

“They are truly the driving force and the heroes,” says Linda .

Motivating the team is crucial . For example, Linda creates a fun environment, with barbecues and little contests to see who can raise the most in an hour, . The River East store also had a day where everyone—male and female—wore pink .

Knowing the importance of the cause also keeps people motivated . Stories are shared that resonate because they could be anyone’s story, like one woman’s story of having to tell her young children about her diagnosis, which profoundly affected Linda, a mother of two .

It’s those stories that lead Canada Safeway and their employees to open their hearts and fundraise for the foundation year after year .

“In the end, we would love to not raise funds for this cause and live in a world without the fear of breast cancer,” says Renée . “But every year we hear of coworkers being diagnosed, of people who lose their battle . It’s still out there and Safeway will continue to be committed to the cause .”

After 10 years as our partner, Canada Safeway and their passionate people enthusiastically embrace the cause .

Safeway’s Support

October 2011 – Long-time Foundation supporters, Canada Safeway, raised a remarkable $1 .8 million through their October Awareness Campaign .


October 24, 2011 – Canadian Pop sensation Justin Bieber poses with Safeway employee Susie Szor, in store charity fundraising captain, as he makes a pit stop into the store during his 2011 tour . Below: The Foundation was presented with a cheque on November 15, 2011 at the Canada Safeway head office in Calgary. Pictured from left to right: survivor spokesperson, Valerie Brown; Prairies/NWT Region Board Member Robin Sparks; and Canada Safeway Director, Community Investment & Corporate Social Responsibility, Renee Hopfner .

C o m m I t e D t o t h e C o m m u n I t y: Canada Safeway


From October to December 2011, Canadians were invited to “Go Pink” and visit TELUS stores to purchase an exclusive pink BlackBerry Curve 9360 smartphone . For every phone purchased, TELUS contributed $25 to the Foundation, with an additional $5 donated from the purchase of select pink phone accessories . Canadians were also encouraged to visit the TELUS Facebook page to create personal Pink Network galleries, with each resulting in a $1 contribution to the Foundation .

Nationally, the Foundation received $400,000 from TELUS and their customers to support the creation of five $80,000 Clinical Breast Cancer Fellowships.

TELUS’s Jill Schnarr, vice-president of Community Investment, talks about the campaign and why it’s important .

Tell us about the campaign .

Go Pink is built around one simple premise—encouraging our customers, team members, and supporters of breast cancer awareness, to Go Pink with TELUS and give the gift of health to women in their communities by purchasing a pink BlackBerry .

The campaign has evolved. At first, donations were tied specifically to the sale of phones. In 2010, online users could show their support by turning their profile picture pink. In 2011, we allowed people to build out their own network of support and then to celebrate their own network of “breast friends .” By providing the opportunity to connect online, we delivered a virtual space where users could literally build their own community of support for the cause .

What role does TELUS’s leadership play in the success of the campaign?

Our president and CEO, Darren Entwistle, and our executive leadership team have been a part of the discussions and decision each year regarding the next evolution and charity partner for Go Pink . We are so fortunate to work for such a dedicated company and such a passionate leadership team . Cancer has touched many of us at TELUS, and we are steadfast in our commitment to finding a cure.

How did you engage employees in your Go Pink campaign and motivate them to encourage customers to take part?

By creating personal connections . Using team members’ stories, we reached our internal audience on a very personal level . We used our intranet, wikis, and blogging tools and even built four video stories showcasing our team members’ experiences with breast cancer . For every video watched by a team member, or click-through to our Go Pink stories, TELUS donated an additional $1 .

TELUS donated $400,000 to the Foundation in 2011, which will be used to set up five $80,000 fellowships. Why fellowships?

Fellowships support TELUS’s goal to help transform our healthcare system . This funding presents a unique opportunity designed to support specialized medical and health professional training that will strengthen the teams that are critical to improving breast cancer treatment and care . We also like that they are available to applicants from across Canada, with one award designated for each of the four CBCF regions and one in Quebec .

To what do you attribute the success of the campaign?

First, there is a vital need to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer . It affects not only the individuals living with the disease, but their families, friends, and loved ones as well . TELUS team members are proud to be among the millions of Canadians doing something about it .

Most importantly, we have been successful in creating a campaign that people can connect with thanks to our partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation . I feel strongly that people are looking for a chance to make a difference, and through this campaign, we provide the opportunity and hope . We are so proud to partner with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer in women and to come together as a pink network for a healthier Canada .

teLuS talksTELUS is committed to building healthy and strong communities across Canada by supporting causes important to its team and customers .

October 2011 – The Foundation was proud to be selected as a TELUS charity of choice . During the month of October, the Canadian service provider launched the Go Pink campaign . TELUS customers could show their support by purchasing the exclusive pink Blackberry Cure 9360 Smartphone or select pink phone accessories, or by creating a Breast Friends photo album on TELUS’ Pink Network on Facebook .

C o m m u n I t y m I n D e D : Telus


Six years ago, Doug Hansen was in a head-on collision that almost took his life . Doctors rebuilt Doug’s body, but many activities he enjoyed, like baseball, golf, and running were no longer possible. Eager to stay fit, he decided to try cycling, and now the man who overcame that life-threatening situation is helping others do the same for the second year in a row with a bike, a phone, and a personal connection to the cause .

Doug was drawn to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region’s first LinkPink: Lance Armstrong for Breast Cancer charity bike ride in 2010 for two reasons . One was the opportunity to meet Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France champion and a cancer survivor .

More importantly, Doug’s mother is a breast cancer survivor .

“I thought, here I am raising money for a variety of charitable organizations and not really attached to those causes,” says Doug, who does several local charity rides each year as well as one or two rides further from home . “I saw this as an opportunity to raise money for something that is important to me, that hits close to home .”

He had such a great time that first year, Doug signed on to do the ride again in September 2011 . The ride, co-presented by Canada Safeway and CIBC, consisted of two 30 kilometres loops outside of Calgary followed by a barbecue . That evening, participants attended a dinner featuring Lance and Phil Liggett, the legendary voice of the Tour de France at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, where Lance shared his message of leadership, hope, and inspiration .

For Doug, the day was extra special because he got to spend one-on-one time with Lance . LinkPink is a fundraising challenge; participants had to raise a minimum of $7,500 in order to register for the 2011 ride . Doug raised more than double that to be named the top individual fundraiser, and receive the honour of wearing a special yellow jersey and riding up front with Lance . He also spent time in the afternoon with the renowned athlete .

“He’s a down-to-earth person willing to talk to anybody, and he didn’t make you feel like he thought he was someone special . He was willing to have conversations about anything, and he was genuinely interested in carrying on those conversations,” says Doug .

Doug’s fundraising involved getting on the phone to associates and friends, asking for donations . He also held a silent auction with sports memorabilia, including items donated by Lance Armstrong and his bike shop, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop in Austin, Texas . Doug had met the folks at Mellow Johnny’s when he was doing a ride earlier in the year and found them more than willing to help out for the cause .

The co-owner of a thriving business and father of three young girls, Doug estimates he puts about 4,000 kilometres a year on his bicycle . Making time for fundraising and doing charity rides like LinkPink isn’t always easy, but they are a great way to combine his passion for cycling and his desire to help . Says Doug, “You do what you can and play your role and try to help out the cause,” says Doug . “It’s very important to me to give back to the community . In the end, it’s not what you take with you, but rather what you leave behind that’s important to me .”

Avid cyclist has good reasons for raising thousands of dollars to ride in LinkPink 2011 .

Going the extra mile

On September 8, 2011, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT was proud to welcome cancer survivor Lance Armstrong to the foothills of Calgary for LinkPink – a ride to raise money in support of the Foundation . Nearly 50 cyclists took part in the exclusive 60 kilometre ride and dinner event .

Having raised over $15,000, Doug Hansen was named the top fundraiser for the 2011 event and won the honour of riding at the front of the pack with Lance, while wearing a special yellow jersey .

R I D I n G F o R a G o o D C a u S e : Doug Hansen


Saskatoon Presenting Sponsor

Regional Sponsors

Winnipeg Presenting Sponsor

Calgary Presenting Sponsor

Edmonton Presenting Sponsor

Teams from across the prairies helped take a swing at breast cancer during the annual Batting Against Breast Cancer slow-pitch tournaments, which raised nearly half a million dollars in 2011 .

thanK you to our 2011 batting against brEast cancEr sPonsors


In Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Calgary, softball lovers sign up each year in droves to play in the annual Batting Against Breast Cancer slo-pitch tournament . For many, if not all, making the decision to participate is easy because the event combines a favourite sport with family, friends, fun, and the chance to do something to help knock breast cancer out of the park .

Take Lisa and Roddy Goetz, who play in Winnipeg . Lisa has lost relatives to breast cancer, and husband Roddy has an aunt living with the disease, so they know first-hand how devastating breast cancer can be . They got wind of the tournament in 2007, the first year it was held in Winnipeg .

“Roddy is always on the lookout for tournaments for his team . He came across this one and proposed that the company he works for, Black Cat Blades, put together a team,” says Lisa .

Team Black Cat has been playing ever since . Ninety per cent of the 16 members are Black Cat Blades employees . Spouses like Lisa also play and pitch in on fundraising events .

In 2011, Team Black Cat raised far more than the minimum entry fee of $1,500, bringing in $10,000 by throwing events for the community and collecting pledges and donations .

Lisa acknowledges that the team spends a lot of hours planning and fundraising,

but the rewards are more than enough to keep them coming back .

“The cause keeps us doing it, but it’s also a great day . Everybody on the team has fun, the families come together, and it’s just an awesome time,” she says .

The combination of fun, family, and a great cause is also why Intuit’s Edmonton location has been involved with the event since 2004 . With one of its core operating values being “We Care & Give Back,” Intuit seeks ways to contribute to the local community that are engaging for employees, allow multiple employees to participate, are fun for the whole family, and contribute to a worthwhile cause . It found all of that in Batting Against Breast Cancer and has been entering a team ever since, as well as sponsoring the event since 2005 .

To keep employees engaged and eager to participate by either joining the team (the Quick Bats), or by supporting them, Intuit focuses on fun . It holds events like ice cream sales and offers chances to dunk the manager to fundraise, and encourages families of employees to attend the events . As a sponsor, over the years, the company’s been involved in some capacity with the event . They’ve hosted the pancake breakfast that kicks off game day, plus organized a money-raising obstacle course, and donated a trip for the winner . Even today, Intuit hosts the team captains’ meeting, supplying refreshments while the hard-

working captains collect what they’ll need during the tournament .

“The cause is something we really believe in,” says Tracey Stewart, senior support operations analyst, Intuit . Sadly, last year the cause took an intensely personal turn for Intuit when one of its own died from breast cancer, bringing home just how crucial the work of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Prairies-NWT Region is .

“Being impacted, I really feel that it is important to keep raising money, building awareness, and educating people,” says Tracey .

Across the prairies, teams go to bat against breast cancer .

play Ball!

In Winnipeg, Team Black Cat, stepped up to the plate in a big way, raising $10,000 to support breast cancer research, education and awareness programs .

sitE total ParticiPants

$ raisEd As of Feb 29, 2012

Calgary 17 Teams $140,000

Edmonton 27 Teams $172,264

Saskatoon 4 Teams $30,897

Regina 10 Teams $34,324

Winnipeg 31 Teams $103,488

t h e p L ay e R S : Lisa & Roddy Goetz and Intuit

batting against brEast cancEr 2011

total 89 teams $480,973


dave majeski, vice-President, real Estate and construction services, royal bank of canada

Dave, who’s in his second year on the Board, was already on two other boards and a number of committees, as well as serving as a trustee with a not-for-profit foundation when he was approached about the position on the Region’s board . Already busy, Dave found he couldn’t say no .

“There used to be a program called ‘Tough Enough to Wear Pink’ which raised money for breast cancer research on both sides of the border,” he says . A couple years ago Dave was in Las Vegas at the National Finals Rodeo, explaining why he decided to make the time . “At one performance, they asked everybody who had ever been touched by breast cancer to stand up . There were 18,000 people in the arena and there had to be 90 per cent standing up, most of them wearing pink . That was pretty compelling .”

In addition, Dave’s mother in law had been affected by breast cancer, and Dave lost a friend, former board chair Brian Crookes, to the disease .

Being a banker, it was only natural for Dave to become a member of the finance committee and contribute his knowledge about the business of running a business to help ensure the Region’s success . That includes helping to ensure that the strategic plan is implemented appropriately and that measurements are in place to check on how the organization is doing relative to its goals .

gord gilroy, President, vision creative inc.

For Gord, volunteering is a way to contribute what he’s learned to help the cause, and to develop his own skills with a well-respected organization . As chair of the marketing and communications committee, Gord, who is in his third year on the board, is focusing on spreading the message about the impact the Foundation is making .

“It’s important to show people tangible accomplishments that are relevant to their lives; here’s how we have made a difference . We have this many more women having exams . We have this many more visible minorities taking the steps to improve their health,” says Gord . “Highlighting the impacts being made tells people this is worth it .”

Gord’s passion for the cause is fuelled by the progress he sees in terms of research . As a board member, he gets to hear about exciting discoveries researchers are making that may someday lead to a cure .

As for the difference his contributions make, Gord believes it’s the collective effort of everyone involved that generates change and results .

“Over time, everyone working together, volunteers, researchers, employees, partners, all working towards the same goal—that’s when you see progress,” he says .

From the frontlines to the boardroom, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Prairies/NWT Region is blessed with committed volunteers who donate time, energy, and expertise . The volunteer board members may not see the results of their contributions in the same way a fundraiser can see his or her total donations rise, but they are critical to the success of the Foundation . Here, two board members talk about why they support the cause and how they’re making a difference .

on Board With the Cause

Top: Dave Majeski and Trish Bronsch, CBCF – Prairies/NWT Region CEO Bottom: Gord Gilroy


In 2011, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure held the 2nd annual Post Secondary Challenge and asked students to work together, and help create a future without breast cancer .

With CIBC Education Awards as prizes for the top online fundraising students, it was no surprise when the program attracted attention on campuses nationwide .

Full-time students signed up for the CIBC Run for the Cure and collected online donations . Scholarships were designated for the top online fundraising student in each region and for the highest earning students from across the country .

All together, 3,543 students participated in the Challenge and raised $428,313 to support research, education and awareness

programs . Students in the Prairies/NWT Region claimed six of the available fundraising scholarships – a huge achievement .

Anna Kovalchuk, Al Bartos, Sydney Pearson, Shannon Parrott and Emily Paterson each won a national scholarship . University of Alberta student Stephanie Berendt was the regional award winner .

In the Prairies/NWT Region and across Canada, the results of the Post Secondary Challenge goes to show that the level of engagement among today’s students is nothing short of extraordinary . Congratulations, everyone .

Giving Back has Its RewardsSix Post Secondary Students Raise Money for a Future Without Breast Cancer

Five of CIBC Post Secondary Challenge Education Award Winners from the 2011 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure accept their awards from Rupert MacBeath, General Manager Sales & Service with CIBC, at the Calgary Post-CIBC Run for the Cure event at Belgo Brasserie .

35Report to the Community 2011/2012

a truly national organization

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is unique in that it began around kitchen tables across the country, making it both grassroots and national . As the organization has matured, putting donations to work in the most effective way means uniting the regions, a goal achieved this year after a governance

renewal process that has transformed and reinvigorated the organization .

“We’ve gone through a process of renewal that caused the regions to come together as one to work in partnership with an eye towards focusing on impact, making meaningful grants, and working in the community in a meaningful way to further the organization’s work of creating a future without breast cancer,” says Dr . Ralph Strother, national board chair .

New corporate bylaws now govern all regions, and the vision, mission, and mandate have been renewed . CBCF has also enhanced partnerships with key corporate partners and committed to improved communication with a new website, enhanced donor relationship packages, and new and improved systems for making donations .

While regional differences and needs will continue to be recognized and the grassroots origin remains important, the Foundation is now positioned as a single organization from coast to coast, which will benefit staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and, most importantly, people living with breast cancer and their families .

“Today we are dedicated to speaking with a single voice and, regardless of region, to demonstrating impact, seeking the best way to get the donors’ money at work in world-class research, community support, and as an avenue of best information for survivors and families . We are becoming the go-to organization for breast cancer education, research, and awareness in Canada,” says Strother .

“You found it, didn’t you?” Those words were spoken by a post-doctoral student one Sunday morning in 2011 . On that day, Christopher Richardson was in his laboratory at Dalhousie University in Halifax . “I looked through my microscope and saw the discovery,” Dr . Richardson recalls . “After six years, it

was there . It was the most satisfying moment of my life .”

On that unforgettable day, Dr . Richardson and his team of researchers discovered that a tumour cell marker called PVRL4 is a receptor for the measles virus . This virus attaches to this receptor, which is a specific protein located on cell surfaces . It can potentially be used to specifically target and infect cancer cells and turn

people’s immune system against the tumours .

“Eighty percent of breast cancer cells, including the most aggressive cancers, have PVRL4 receptors all over their surface, making them highly susceptible to the measles virus,” Dr . Richardson explains . He says this discovery offers new hope for Canadians diagnosed with breast cancer, especially to those with an aggressive form of the disease .

Dr . Richardson says clinical trials might begin as early as this year . “We still need to add something to the virus to make it even more powerful,” he explains . “If successful, this will be a new therapeutic treatment for those diagnosed with breast cancer . It will certainly be more effective than chemotherapy alone and might be able to stand on its own .”

atlantic region: Halifax researchers discover that the measles virus can infect and kill breast cancer cells

Women choosing breast reconstruction following a mastectomy are faced with two separate surgeries weeks apart . The first expands the muscle to make room for the implant and the second to insert a permanent implant . These two surgeries take its toll – not only a physical and emotional toll on a patient

and her family but on our health care system as well .

Dr . Toni Zhong, of the University Health Network in Toronto, is examining a new surgical technique to potentially eliminate the need for two-step reconstruction by immediately creating a pocket for the implant, and inserting the implant in a single surgery . The impact on women’s satisfaction with the surgery and subsequent quality of life is being measured to

understand the technique’s effectiveness .

Research has shown that breast reconstruction surgery can help to restore a woman’s sense of femininity and improve her body image, yet currently less than 20% of women have this surgery . Dr . Zhong, collaborating with ten other surgeons though five centres in Ontario, British Columbia, hopes a one step surgical procedure will make it easier for women to choose reconstructive surgery .

“We have been measuring outcomes by our surgical objectives, which of course is important,” said Dr . Zhong, surgical oncologist, plastic reconstruction surgeon and newly awarded CBCF research grantee . “But as surgeons we need to look at what we measure and how—beyond the surgical procedure itself – in order to best serve our patients .”

ontario region: New technique for reconstruction surgery


Not all breast cancers are alike . There are many different causes, which mean different treatments are needed to effectively treat each type .

Dr . Deborah Anderson and her research team in Saskatchewan are focused on triple negative breast cancer – a particularly aggressive form of the disease that in many cases contains high levels of a protein called Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) .

“We know something about these receptors and how they behave,” says Dr . Anderson . “Too many EGRFs can cause cells to grow and divide to make breast tumours .”

With funding from the Prairies/NWT Region, Dr . Anderson is studying how a second protein, called p85, can help cells reduce and get rid of EGFRs . If the research is successful, “we might be able to return cells to normal and have more effective treatments for this type of breast cancer,” Dr . Anderson explains .

This could have huge implications for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in the future, says Dr . Anderson: “At least, we hope our

research will provide a better prognosis indicator, and it might help us be able to provide new therapies down the line to impact that prognosis .”

Dr. Anderson knows first-hand how important breast cancer research is to women and their families . During her research training, a good friend and colleague was diagnosed with the disease . “She was only in her mid-twenties and the diagnosis had a life-changing impact on her daily life . That experience was very motivating for me to improve the prognosis for breast cancer patients – to improve the outlook for people so it lessens the impact on their daily lives .”

Dr . Anderson is extremely grateful for the support of the Foundation and our caring donors . “Every contribution is appreciated,” she says . “In fact, donors are just as important as the researchers . Without your help, we wouldn’t have the resources we need to carry out the research .”

Thanks to scientists at the BC Cancer Agency, triple negative breast cancer treatment may soon become more personalized and effective than ever before .

In a ground-breaking study published in the internationally-recognized journal, Nature, scientists revealed they had decoded the genetic make-up of triple negative breast cancer, a big step forward for a subtype with a reputation for being among the most serious .

Greater knowledge makes for better care and this study is expected to create an increase in successful, targeted treatment for patients diagnosed in the future, by helping scientists and clinicians better understand how individual patients’ genetic mutations first evolved.

"Revelations such as this show that the support of research is critically needed in providing necessary insights that will someday change outcomes in this cancer as with other cancers linked to a poor prognosis," according to Dr . Samuel Abraham, Vice President of Research at the BC Cancer Agency .

Triple negative breast cancer occurs when three cancer-causing proteins –

the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and ERBB2 receptor – are missing . By performing routine sequencing to identify and target the genetic factors that influenced the growth of a tumor, doctors will be better able to customize their treatment plan for each patient .

Moreover, the cancer-related genes and mutation patterns identified in this study and other like it may very well become targets for improved treatment, or markers for personalized diagnosis, as scientists, doctors and research centres continue to work towards a common goal – creating a future without breast cancer .

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This study was conducted with funding and support from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation PWNT and BC/Yukon Chapters, BC Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Cross Cancer Institute of Alberta and Cancer Research UK/University of Cambridge

bc/yukon region: Foundation funded scientists make breakthrough in treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Prairies/nWt region: New hope for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer


distributions and ExpensesThe Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region is committed to funding breast cancer research, education and awareness campaigns intended to create a future without breast cancer . In order to accomplish our vision, the Foundation engages in major fundraising events, while working closely with volunteers, corporate and community partners to enhance opportunities for people to get involved or contribute to the cause .

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is committed to allocating donor dollars responsibly to maximize the impact of our strategic research, education and awareness initiatives, thereby aspiring to deliver transparency and accountability in our financial reporting, and as such, recognizes attributable overhead costs in fundraising expenses . The chart above accurately reflects the total distribution of the Region’s $13.9 million in revenue in year ending March 31, 2012 .

Regional Financial SummaryThe Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is dedicated to finding the optimal balance between dollars invested in grants and other cause-related work, and dollars spent on fundraising and other necessary expenditures . Our goal is to maximize our cause-related spending .

As a registered Canadian charity, the Foundation complies with generally accepted accounting standards . In order to maintain charitable registration, the Foundation files annual financial and charitable activity reports with Canada Revenue Agency, and conducts audits of annual financial statements. The Foundation has intentionally designed thoroughness and rigor wherever possible to limit risk and provide sound

protection of investments on behalf of our stakeholders. Strong financial management will enable us to continue our efforts and clearly show how funds are raised and demonstrate effective utilization .

The following financial information represents a regional perspective. Although the Foundation prepares budgets at a regional level, the Foundation operates under one charitable registration number in Canada, filing financial returns and annual audits on a consolidated national basis . Information herein relating to charitable activities and grant allocations is regionally reflective.

revenueThe Prairies/NWT Region is honoured to have the support of our donors, sponsors, community and corporate partners and volunteers who raised raised $13.9 million in fiscal 2011/2012, representing 26% of funds raised across the country for the cause .

A large portion of the money raised for a future without breast cancer comes from special events such as the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure . In fiscal 2011/12 the CIBC Run for the Cure accounted for 54% of the Region’s revenues . The Foundation is also supported by corporate sponsorships, individual donations, cause related marketing and other special events .

The previous year's reserve amount for future granting was utilized to allocate a record amount of over $10 .0 million in Grant awards . This increase was made possible by increased amount limits and length of grant awards .

8%Direct mail and Individual programs

3%other Investment/Gaming/product

18%Corporate programs

9%Special events

54%CIBC Run for the Cure

8%third party events & Rural partnerships

35%additional Reserve Draw Down

36%Fundraising Costs

13%Cost of operations

7%health promotion and education

7%Volunteer, Community, and Donor Relations

37%Grant allocations

Regional Financial Highlights – Year Ending March 31, 2012


Regional Financial Summary

2012 Actual Prior 2011

Assets

Cash 1,619,413 5,067,486

Investments held in National Pool 2,721,389 21,117,132

Accounts Receivable 0 21,755

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets 50,395 41,894

Capital Assets 95,725 97,868

Due from (to) Central Office 13,182,215 (9,111,457)

Total Assets 17,669,137 17,234,678

Liabilities

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 81,065 93,320

Grants Payable - Current 4,045,638 2,198,631

Deferred revenue 94,525 0

Grants Payable - Long Term 3,027,759 889,209

subtotal 7,248,988 3,181,160

Fund Balances

Invested in Capital Assets 97,870 151,203

Externally Restricted 10,000 10,000

Board Restricted (Internal) 2,000,000 670,821

Unallocated funds - ending 8,312,279 13,221,494

subtotal 10,420,149 14,053,518

Total Liabilities 17,669,137 17,234,678

2012 2011

Revenues

CIBC Run for the Cure 7,388,244 6,399,501

Donations:

Individual Donations 475,919 158,155

Direct Response 925,998 876,217

Corporate 2,400,966 1,513,048

Third Party Events 1,104,414 961,123

Special Events 1,224,783 1,863,540

Investment Income 328,285 307,930

Other 19,182 88,321

Total 13,867,780 12,167,835

Expenses

Cost of Raising Funds 4,938,119 4,166,508

Operations 1,844,828 880,914

Central Office Allocations 0 380,636

Total 6,782,947 5,428,058

Excess revenue over expense before allocations

7,084,834 6,739,777

Allocations

Program Activities 1,910,207 1,237,495

Grants 10,038,842 2,056,221

Total 11,994,049 3,293,716

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses and allocations for the year

(4,909,215) 3,446,061

CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PRAIRIES/NWT REGION BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2012

CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PRAIRIES/NWT REGION INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 31, 2012

*Unaudited – Please see note below*Unaudited – Please see note below


OfficesEdmonton 700 – 10665 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 Tel: 780-452-1166 Fax: 780-451-6554 Toll Free: 1-866-302-2223

Calgary 300 – 1324 17 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2T 5S8 Tel: 403-209-2233 Fax: 403-209-2366

Winnipeg 304 – 1 Wesley Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 Tel: 204-231-4885 Fax: 204-231-4910

Documents

11/12PNWT ANNUAL REPORT